Taiwan county sees cats overtake dogs in new pet registrations

In Hsinchu County, Taiwan, a noticeable shift in pet ownership has occurred since 2021, with newly registered cats now consistently outnumbering dogs. This trend reflects evolving urban lifestyles, characterized by smaller living spaces, demanding work schedules, and increased work-related stress, which collectively make cats a more appealing choice for many.

"Cats are generally easier to care for at home compared to dogs, which require more space and dedicated time for companionship," explained He Zhi-feng, director of the Hsinchu County Animal Protection and防疫所 (Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Office). He noted that in 2023, new cat registrations reached 3,434, exceeding the 2,424 new dog registrations. This pattern continued and widened in 2024, with 3,675 new cat registrations compared to 2,351 for dogs.

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Cats are generally easier to care for at home compared to dogs, which require more space and dedicated time for companionship.

Nationally, the trend mirrors Hsinchu County's experience. While dogs historically outnumbered cats by tens of thousands, cats began to overtake dogs in new registrations around 2021. By last year, the gap had become substantial, with 171,815 new cat registrations nationwide versus only 75,890 for dogs. This significant increase highlights a broader societal adaptation to pet ownership, favoring the more adaptable and less demanding feline companions.

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Cats are generally easier to care for at home compared to dogs, which require more space and dedicated time for companionship.